Silver screen celebrates the ocean

Published July 18, 2014 - 1:05am

Updated:

July 18, 2014 - 12:05am

Special to West Hawaii Today

Reels are set to roll when the Waimea Ocean Film Festival returns to Waimea and the Kohala Coast Jan. 1 through 9. Films and programs will be featured Jan. 1 through 4 at venues in Waimea, at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, before moving Jan. 5 through 9 to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Through thought-provoking films and discussion, the festival immerses participants in a greater understanding and awareness of the ocean, our culture and ourselves. The question-and-answer sessions offer moviegoers the opportunity to delve deeper into the film’s message and production while posing questions to filmmakers. Last year’s festival offered 60 question-and-answer events and a dozen casual breakfast talks with filmmakers and experts associated with film topics.

New this year, a 20-punch card adds the element of a treasure hunt to the event, as Starbucks Coffee offers a prize for those who attend 20 film blocks.

A seascape painting by Christian Enns, “Morning Light-Puako,” has been chosen as the festival’s 2015 cover art. Work by the Hawaii Island artist and champion surfer has been the focus of feature films. Ocean Film also showcased his shoreline, en plein air paintings in 2013 and 2014.

Festival passes will go on sale in September, with early purchase pass rates available at that time. For event updates, visit waimeaoceanfilm.org, Waimea Ocean Film Festival on Facebook or contact info@waimeaoceanfilm.org.